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5 ways to make a friends-with-benefits equation work

A friends-with-benefits equation, or FWB, as it is popularly called, is quite a confusing concept to wrap your head around. And with rom-coms like Friends With Benefits and No Strings Attached warping our view by adding romance to the mix, it definitely doesn’t get any easier. Just like every other equation you have had or will have, this one needs hard work, and it also has rules. If you’re really invested in making your FWB equation work, here’s how to go about it.

Keep it simple: You are going to get nothing out of overcomplicating it. It’s a purely physical relationship. Your friendship with him needs to be kept separate from the physicality, and even though nobody can be expected to keep it in completely separate boxes, reminding yourself of it every time you slip is a great way to keep it casual.

Communication is key: You’re not in a full-fledged relationship; but you do have an understanding with him, and it is an equation. And honesty is mandatory for any situation where two people are involved with each other for a longer period of time. Plus, one of the definite pros of a FWB equation is that you’re not expected to take care of their feelings, which gives you all the freedom to be as scathingly truthful as you want to be.

Don’t keep any expectations: He’s not required by the definition of your equation to comfort you when you’re sad, or do things to make you happy, or even to be there for you when you need someone. And you’d be better off not expecting it out of him either. The pros? You’re not expected to do any of these things too. Expectations just don’t have a place in an FWB equation, and it’s imperative that the two of you understand that well, and keep it in mind.

Take time off: It is healthier to spend time away from one another. Being physically active with someone for longer periods of time can naturally cause you to start developing feelings for them, which in turn, lead to expectations that are essentially like Kryptonite to this sort of equation. Taking time off or not seeing him for a while helps to set your priorities in order, which is always a good thing.

Keep your lives separate: It is imperative that he has his own life, and you have yours. Ideally, you should even keep your friend circles completely separate, but in case he is friends with your friends, make sure you have one-on-one friendships that can take you away from him when you need to be.